8o FOX-HUNTING PRE-EMINENT 



to so many, and the taxes it contributes to the revenue, 

 I advocate the cause of the " Noble Science " on its 

 own merits alone. Fox-hunting stands pre-eminently 

 first on the list of all British sports, none excepted. 

 It is the most manly, unselfish, exciting, invigorating 

 pastime, worthy of the highest patronage, and deserving 

 the support of every man who wishes well to his country. 

 At the same time I do not wish to see any revival 

 of the state of things which existed in the latter part of 

 the last century, when few manufacturing towns were 

 without a subscription pack kept up by a club of clerks 

 and apprentices, to the great loss of their own time, 

 injury of the surrounding country, and general demorali- 

 sation of the neighbourhood. 



